As I thought about a gift which I might give to you this holiday season I decided to focus on the gift of knowledge. Why? Because it’s a gift that keeps on giving!

There are many experts, books, websites, and articles from which to choose. As you prepare to move into 2019 here are five (six if you count my e-book) resources, at least one of which I hope you will find invaluable. I’ll post several more resources prior to year end.

Tom Ahern, Ahern Communications– A prolific author whose books and other resources provide insight about best practices with donor communications.

Simone Joyaux, ACFRE, Adv Dip, Joyaux Associates — Another prolific author and highly sought-after presenter. Simone tells it like it is, particularly when it comes to topics such as boards and fundraising.

The Agitator– This quote will tell you a bit about why it is called “The Agitator” — “In a year-end post, Please Don’t Eat the Poinsettia, I noted that the field of fundraising is filled with lots of myths, aphorisms and the equivalent of ‘old wives tales’. Some are true, some are not, and many persist for which there’s little proof one way or the other.” (Roger Craver, December 2017)

Andrea Kihlstedt, Capital Campaign Masters – Andrea wrote the book on campaigns, literally and has a website chock full of helpful information.

"There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living."

Nelson Mandela

"The results of philanthropy are always beyond calculation."

Mary Ritter Beard

"I have often spoken about the importance of intentionality in philanthropy: that it has to stir the soul. This is true whether you are feeding the homeless, mentoring a child or working on climate change."

Charles Bronfman

“I don’t wish to be successful but I definitely wish to be successful in helping someone, sometime for something good.”